Imagine a World – Original Poem

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By Mark A. Leon

Imagine a world
Free of cancer, where our bodies are our own
A place where prayers are answered and rainbows lead to a bed of fragrant roses
Temple are pure and persecution no more

Imagine a world where dreams never fade
The laughter of children is the cure for all disease

In a single gesture of love, the eradication of hate is a reality
A kiss from a stranger; a friend for life

We are judged by goodness
Every step a journey of discovery
A sentimental journey of sight and sound
One filled with wonder; destination unknown

Imagine a world where dreams and reality become one
When the fantasy of the mind awakens to the warmth of the sunlight

We are all healers
Free from blood shed
Free from bondage
Broken chains of love

Imagine a world
Music is the soundtrack of goodness
Every step a note of joy
Each leap a high note
Each kiss a chorus of nature celebrating

This is the world I imagine
This is a place born of pride; existing of purpose; a legacy decency
Apples are ripe and flowers elude a smell of passion

Tomorrow, let us not look back on the mistakes, but rejoice in celebration on a path of purity

Imagine a world

CNA Representatives to Host Community Meetings Regarding Charleston Police Department Racial Bias Audit

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Charleston, S.C.—Representatives from CNA, a nonprofit research and analysis organization hired by the city of Charleston to conduct a Racial Bias Audit of the Charleston Police Department, will host a series of community meetings in March to introduce citizens to the CNA team, provide an overview of their work plan, outline upcoming activities, and provide a timeline for the audit.

The meetings will also include an opportunity for public input, where citizens are invited to share their perspectives, concerns, and suggestions regarding the audit.

The following community meetings are scheduled:

March 26, 2019, 6 to 8 p.m. Bibleway Baptist, 2019 Savage Road, Charleston, SC 29407

March 27, 2019, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. St. James Presbyterian, 1314 Secessionville Road, Charleston, SC 29412

March 28, 2019, 6 to 8 p.m. Burke High School, 244 President Street, Charleston, SC 29403

March 29, 2019, 6 to 8 p.m. St. Julian Devine Community Center, 1 Cooper Street, Charleston, SC 29403

“These community meetings not only provide us with an opportunity to hear directly from a larger subset of the community, but also afford us the opportunity to empower the community by seeking their input in the development of our findings and recommendations,” said CNA Senior Research Scientist Denise Rodriguez. “The community’s input will influence continued and sustained change for the Charleston Police Department.”

For more information about CNA and the Racial Bias Audit of the Charleston Police Department, please email smartjustice@cna.org.

Official City of Charleston Mobile App Now Available for Download

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Charleston, S.C.—Today, the city of Charleston officially launched its new mobile app, which gives citizens easy, mobile access to city services and information on smart phones and tablets.Through the app, citizens will now be able to report a problem, submit a request, make a payment, sign up to receive notifications, and more. Citizens can also use the app to stay up to date on city news, upcoming events, and agendas.

Mayor John Tecklenburg said, “The City of Charleston app is a major step forward in our efforts to ensure that citizens have easy access to the information and services they need. I’d like to thank all the people who worked so hard on this new app, and to encourage our residents to join me in downloading and using it today.”

The app can be downloaded from the Apple or Google Play app stores by searching “City of Charleston, SC.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jack O’Toole, Director of Communications Media Relations/Public Information

(843) 518-3228

otoolej@charleston-sc.gov

Local Artists Present Belle Hall Elementary with Generous Donation to Backpack Buddy Program

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Check for Over $2,000 Given to Benefit School’s Community Outreach Program

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC, March 15 –  Six local artists generously presented Belle Hall Elementary (BHE) with a check for over $2,000 from proceeds collected at their recent Belle Hall Art Show to be used for the school’s Backpack Buddy program.

The Backpack Buddy program is designed to fight weekend hunger. Thousands of children in our community rely on free or reduced meals they receive at school. Children at BHE who experience hunger are enrolled in the program, and each Friday during the school year receive a backpack containing nutritious food to eat over the weekend.

“This charitable donation will be used to purchase food for the remainder of this year and into the next for children who rely on our involvement to provide them with healthy food on the weekends,” said BHE’s school nurse, Kathy Nash. “Thanks to this donation, we’re in the process of configuring a way to extend the program through the summer, which is something we’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t had the resources for until now.”

Belle Hall Art Show participants involved with the donation include: Sandi Buscemi, Susan Colwell, Joyce Corns, Jeny McCullough, Debbie Poynter and Debb Warren.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Kathy Nash, Belle Hall Elementary Nurse at 843.849.2841, or email kathryn_nash@charleston.k12.sc.us.

32 Years of “One Shining Moment”- Experience them all over again

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“One Shining Moment” has been the cornerstone of March Madness since 1987 with the Indiana Hoosiers, led by Bobby Knight took the crown. Since then, fans eagerly await the montage while players dream to be in the video.

Here is a look at 31 years of “One Shining Moment” to help pump you up for what looks to be an amazing 3 weeks of college basketball.

Good luck with your brackets. Let the Madness Begin!!!!

Folly Fun Park on James Island now offering amazing weekly deals

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Folly Fun Park, located at 1238 Camp Road is now introducing amazing weekly deals to get your fun on. Offering Laser Tag, Voxel 3D and Arcade Games, this is the perfect family fun outing.

Official Folly Fun Park Website

Check out the weekly deals:

  • Monday – Unlimited Laser Tag for $15.00 a person
  • Tuesday – $1 Arcade Night – All Arcade Games are $1.00 Each
  • Wednesday – 2 Hours of Play for $25.00 (Does Not Include Laser Tag)
  • Thursday – $1 Arcade Night – All Arcade Games are $1.00 Each
  • Friday and Saturday – Open until 2:00 AM
  • Sunday – Free Laser Tag with Purchase of an Entree at Smoky Oak

What are you waiting for…..

The White Room Grand Opening Event – Tuesday, March 19, 2019

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Y O U A R E I N V I T E D
Come celebrate our G R A N D O P E N I N G at The White Room! Whether you are looking for a new event space, photography studio, space to prep for your wedding day, or are just wanting an excuse to sip champagne and meet awesome vendors, we want to meet you! Bubbly, small bites, hair and makeup touch ups, photos, and more will be available complimentary!

This event is F R E E and you are encouraged to bring a guest! All attendees are eligible for an exclusive giveaway at The White Room. Please RSVP so we can make sure we stocked the champagne bar enough and do run dry!

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 – 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

1031 SC 41, Suite 500, Mount Pleasant, SC

Official Venue Website

A B O U T T H E W H I T E R O O M
Our 1100 sq foot event studio is equipped with an on-site event coordinator, complimentary WiFi, kitchenette, soft seating, ample parking, and access to our preferred vendor list. The White Room is the place to be for your next girls night out, meeting space, bridal prep, birthday party, workshop, styled shoot, branding photos, senior, bridal, maternity, family sessions and more!

I N Q U I R E
bridal@thewhiteroom.style
events.@thewhiteroom.style
photography@thewhiteroom.style

F O L L O W
FB: @ thewhiteroomstyle
IN : @ thewhiteroomstyle
YP: thewhiteroom.yelp.com
WB: thewhiteroom.style
XO: The Knot – The White Room

Important Travel News: The ETIAS, or European Travel Information and Authorization System, will be required for U.S. travel to Europe starting 2021

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U.S. citizens will no longer be able to travel to Europe without getting special authorization starting in 2021. 

The European Union introduced the European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, will be required for those who want to visit Europe.

The ETIAS is required for travelers to the European Schengen Area, which is a zone consisting of 26 countries and three micro-states. Countries often frequented by tourists such as France, Spain, Germany, Italy and Poland are included in the area. 

The ETIAS application is relatively straightforward. U.S. citizens need a valid passport, email and credit or debit card. Registration will be available online

The ETIAS is valid for three years, so Americans won’t have to get a new ETIAS each time they travel to Europe within that three year period.

The EU said the new system is being implemented to “improve their security level to avoid any further problems with illegal migration and terrorism”.

ETIAS Application Form and Information

Animal Lovers Participating in the Cooper River Bridge Run are Encouraged to Run on Behalf of Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

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Hollywood, SC – Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary is seeking animal lovers participating in the Cooper River Bridge Run to run on behalf of Hallie Hill. The Bridge the Gap fundraiser encourages race participants to combine good health with good deeds by raising funds for the sanctuary during the race. Funds raised through Bridge the Gap will support the health and wellbeing of the 200+ animals in the care of Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary and help to Bridge the Gap between homeless animals and furever homes.


Registering to support Hallie Hill is easy. Participants register for the fundraiser as individuals or teams through the Hallie Hill website. Once registered,  supporters will get a link to their own personal fundraising page that they can share with their peers to help gain support for their cause. Those not running the bridge can show their support from the sidelines by making a donation directly to Hallie Hill or by donating in support of one of the individuals or teams who are running on behalf of Hallie Hill. 


“Running and walking is so beneficial for your heart, but you can make the Bridge Run benefit many, many hearts,” says Hallie Hill Executive Director, Jennifer Middleton. “Race participants who become ambassadors for Hallie Hill help the animals not just by raising money, but also by increasing awareness of the sanctuary. We’re tremendously grateful.”
All funds raised will support the 501c3 animal sanctuary whose mission is to rescue and care for abandoned, abused or neglected animals who have no other home or shelter. An integral factor in Charleston becoming a no-kill community, Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary provides respite and rehabilitation for dogs and cats preparing them for adoption, and provides a loving forever home to those animals who are unable to be adopted. 
For more information about Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary and Bridge the Gap, visit HallieHill.com/Bridge-the-Gap or find them on Facebook and Instagram at HallieHillAnimalSanctuary.

Official Hallie Hill Website

2019’s Best & Worst States for Women Survey Released – Where does South Carolina Rank?

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WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 24 key indicators of living standards for women. Our data set ranges from median earnings for female workers to women’s preventive health care to female homicide rate. Read on for our findings, expert insight from a panel of researchers and a full description of our methodology.

Of the 51 states, including the District of Columbia, South Carolina ranked #49 of #51 or the 3rd worst state for women to live in based on the 2019 study.

Here is how each state was ranked from best to worst

Complete WalletHub Analysis Report